The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy (2024)

A Handsome and Affable Tribute to the Stunt Community

★★★☆☆

Harmless summer action fun that coasts on the immense charm of its A-list leads.

Directed by David Leitch, The Fall Guy is a film that is handsome and affable to a fault. It serves as harmless summer action fun where the stakes are low and the ultimate outcome for our protagonists is never truly in doubt. While the action is consistently entertaining and the scale is impressive, the experience doesn't really amount to much in the long run. It is a pleasant way to kill a few hours, even if it lacks that extra "gear" to make it truly memorable or special.

"Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling are having loads of fun, charming and easy on the eyes. The action is entertaining... But it all doesn't really amount to much and nothing is really memorable or special."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: David Leitch
• Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt
• Supporting: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke
• Stunt Coordinator: Chris O'Hara

The Vision

David Leitch, himself a former stuntman, clearly intended this as a love letter to the unsung heroes of the film industry. The vision is bright, loud, and energetic, focusing on practical effects and high-octane choreography. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is the film's strongest asset, providing a romantic spark that grounds the chaotic meta-narrative. It is a directorial showcase of technical prowess, even if the script stays firmly within the safety of blockbuster conventions.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Record Breaker: Stunt driver Logan Holladay broke a Guinness World Record during production for the most cannon rolls in a car, completing eight and a half rotations.
• The "Stunt Designer" Credit: In a move to gain more recognition for the craft, the film credited Chris O'Hara as a "Stunt Designer" rather than a coordinator, a first for the industry.
• TV Origins: The film is a loose adaptation of the 1980s television series of the same name, which starred Lee Majors (who makes a cameo in this version).

✅ Pros

• Immense, effortless chemistry between Gosling and Blunt.
• Top-tier practical stunt work and entertaining action sequences.
• A fun, meta-look at the reality of film production.

❌ Cons

• Low-stakes plot that feels largely predictable.
• Lacks a lasting emotional impact or unique narrative "hook."
• Feels a bit "safe" given the talent involved on both sides of the camera.

🏆 Final Verdict

A solid, breezy summer blockbuster. While it won't redefine the genre, The Fall Guy is a charming enough ride to justify the price of admission for the star power alone.

View original review on Letterboxd